CanadaWhat are the regulations for commercial motor carriers crossing provincial borders?
Commercial motor carriers crossing provincial borders in Canada are subject to federal safety regulations made under the Canada Transportation Act, which authorize the Governor in Council to regulate extra-provincial motor carrier safety.
What the Law Says
The Canada Transportation Act gives the federal government authority to regulate the safety of commercial motor carriers operating across provincial borders — known as 'extra-provincial' operations.
Under section 32 of the Canada Transportation Act, the Governor in Council (i.e., the federal Cabinet) has the power to make regulations specifically about the safety of extra-provincial motor carriers. This means that when a trucking company or driver crosses from one province into another for commercial purposes, their operation falls under federal — not just provincial — safety oversight.
This authority supports a national safety framework, ensuring consistent standards for vehicles, drivers, hours of service, inspections, and record-keeping regardless of provincial boundaries.
Statutory TextGovernor in Council may make regulations respecting extra-provincial motor carrier safety.
— Canada Transportation Act, s. 32 — Motor carrier safety
What to Do
Ensure your commercial vehicle operation is registered with Transport Canada if conducting extra-provincial trips.
Comply with the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations and the National Safety Code standards.
Maintain accurate logs, inspection records, and driver qualification files as required federally.
Display valid National Safety Code (NSC) certification where applicable.
Stay updated on regulatory changes issued by the Governor in Council under s. 32 of the Canada Transportation Act.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.